StaBall HD in 300 Win Mag with 215 Berger Hybrids

[Shumba1]

Had posted this rifle for sale last year, but no takers. Sako 85 300 Win Mag, re-barreled by Long Rifles Inc. (1:10twst, 26" K&P) and set into a McMillan stock. Cerakoted black.

Hadn't shot it in a year, so decided to take it to the range today. Loaded up some 215 Berger Hybrids in Norma Brass, filled with 75.0 grains for StaBall HD. 3.660" COAL. Warmed up with 3 shots of 168 TTSX loads I had. First cold shot, after not being fired for a year, looked good and the next two shots just below the first and touching. Scope was shooting a little left, but I didn't mess with it.

Let the rifle cool off, then shot the 215 Bergers (2742, 2752 & 2749 FPS). I can load them to 2,900 FPS (with Ramshot Magnum) with the 26" barrel, but the mild 2,750 FPS load should do trick at the max distance I'm comfortable shooting. They all wanted to go to the same spot at 100 yards

Will be a real dilemma this season on which rifle to hunt with!

Above target is 3 shots of 215 Berger Hybrids at 100 yards

Top bullet hole is first cold shot, after not shooting the rifle for a year. 2nd and 3rd shots just below the first. 168 grain TTSX at 3,150 FPS. Can load hotter/faster, but this load always seems to shoot well and is more than enough for the deer and pigs I chase.

 

[FEENIX]

Had posted this rifle for sale last year, but no takers. Sako 85 300 Win Mag, re-barreled by Long Rifles Inc. (1:10twst, 26" K&P) and set into a McMillan stock. Cerakoted black.

Hadn't shot it in a year, so decided to take it to the range today. Loaded up some 215 Berger Hybrids in Norma Brass, filled with 75.0 grains for StaBall HD. 3.660" COAL. Warmed up with 3 shots of 168 TTSX loads I had. First cold shot, after not being fired for a year, looked good and the next two shots just below the first and touching. Scope was shooting a little left, but I didn't mess with it.

Let the rifle cool off, then shot the 215 Bergers (2742, 2752 & 2749 FPS). I can load them to 2,900 FPS (with Ramshot Magnum) with the 26" barrel, but the mild 2,750 FPS load should do trick at the max distance I'm comfortable shooting. They all wanted to go to the same spot at 100 yards

Will be a real dilemma this season on which rifle to hunt with!



View attachment 641110View attachment 641111
Above target is 3 shots of 215 Berger Hybrids at 100 yards


View attachment 641116
Top bullet hole is first cold shot, after not shooting the rifle for a year. 2nd and 3rd shots just below the first. 168 grain TTSX at 3,150 FPS. Can load hotter/faster, but this load always seems to shoot well and is more than enough for the deer and pigs I chase.

Good luck, and happy safe hunting.

 

[ShtrRdy]

Man, that sounds like a keeper!

 

[Mountain Sloth]

Taggin in for the 200+ grain 300 win loads with hd, once I use up the last of my rl22 im going to give this a go as it and the other two seem to be available. I found it a little slow in 7RM with a 162 eldx at 2817 fps but solid accuracy so I'm rolling with it.

 

[Shumba1]

I have definitely had higher velocities with a heavier load of StaBall HD in my other Sako S20 300 WM that only has a 24" barrel. Was able to get 2,800 FPS with great accuracy in the shorter barrel (using ADG brass). Would encourage you to work up to it in your individual rifle.

I know I can increase the StaBall HD powder charge and get to to +/- 2,850 fps in the Sako 85 with 26" barrel, but I kind of like having a super accurate mild load at 2,700 fps. It will deliver more than 1,500 ft-lbs of energy at just over 900 yards where I would hunt with it. Easier on the rifle, barrel, shooter, brass, etc. and still more than enough to get the job done. Really just up to the shooter to put the bullet in the right place!

 

[Mountain Sloth]

I've read it seems to work well with heavy for cal bullets. Right now rl22 with a 200 grain eldx is netting me 2889fps with a 26" barrel so anything around that in an available powder would make my day.